August 1 Reading in Jesus Calling

Today's reading in Sarah Young's Jesus Calling is such a great reminder!

        "Nothing can separate you from My Love.  Let this divine assurance trickle through your mind and into your heart and soul.  Whenever you start to feel fearful or anxious, repeat this unconditional promise: "Nothing can separate me from Your Love, Jesus!"
       Most of mankind's misery stems from feeling unloved.  In the midst of adverse circumstances, people tend to feel that love has been withdrawn and they have been forsaken.  This feeling of abandonment is often worse than the adversity itself.  Be assured that I never abandon any of My children, not even temporarily.  I will never leave you or forsake you!  My Presence watches over you continually.  I have engraved you on the palms of My Hands."

Romans 8:38-39; Joshua 1:5; Isaiah 49:15-16

Busy Days

This has been the busiest summer I can remember.! We just returned from Nebraska where we visited friends, watched our grandsons compete in a one mile race which was part of the town's festival, (one of our grandsons from Illinois who was visiting his cousins, won the youth competition in the race) and then enjoyed the festival parade as the two Nebraska grandsons drove their go cart in it to advertise their pumpkin business.  It was a fun weekend!

This week one of our granddaughters is staying with us so we are trying to keep up with her job schedule and cross country practice while working on preparations for the Redneck Pool Party this weekend.  It is one of our most popular events with the children in town and one of the most fun for us as we attempt to improve on building the swimming pool out of straw bales.  Every year we have a 'pool failure' when the bales begin to separate and water spills over the side.  Of course, the kids don't mind--they use the spilling as a waterfall and enjoy that part of the party, too!  Last year we used a piece of tarp from the grain elevator's corn pile as an 80 foot long slip and slide--a new addition which the kids loved!  Here are a couple of photos from last year:


It is quite the job spreading out the huge tarp to cut pieces to use for all the pools/slide/hot tub, but a great way to make use of the otherwise useless tarp that has been removed from the grain pile.

How To Live Naturally Supernatural by Mark Virkler

      I received this email from Mark Virkler's Communion with God Ministries and thought I would pass it on in case any of you are interested in watching the videos which he is making available the next 4 days for free.

He who abides in Me…bears much fruit… apart from Me you can do nothing (Jn. 15:5). Wow! Jesus, are You really saying I can’t do anything on my own? I find that hard to swallow. You should watch me. It seems to me like I can get quite a bit done on my own. Not that I am calling You a liar, it is just that what You are saying is so far removed from reality as I picture it, I don’t know if I can wrap my head around it. However, I do want a fruitful life, in every area: marriage, family, finances, ministry, business, health. So, yes! Teach me how to abide. I need to learn to see things the way You see them. Click Here to Watch Now Do you "grow weary in well-doing," regularly trying with all your might to resist the power of sin and live a good Christian life? Do you sometimes feel like only the strong-willed can be "overcomers"? How do we naturally let Jesus live through us? Would you describe your Christian life as one of "rest"? Do you ever wonder if maybe we are missing something in the Gospel message that New Testament believers knew? If so, this message is for you. It is time for you to release Christ continuously, effortlessly and powerfully! But don't take my word for it. Here is just one of the many testimonies we have received about this teaching: “This course radically changed my life in every way possible. When once the Christian life was somewhat of a duty and chore, it is now a lifestyle of rest. What was once my trying to be good for the Lord is now having Him be good out through me. What was striving to serve Him in every aspect of my life is now simply loving Him and yielding to His Spirit to live out of me. By understanding, experiencing and living out the revelation truth of abiding, my life in every way and dimension has been radically changed.” For the next 4 days, I am posting a full set of videos that will clearly teach you four key truths, and lead you into applying them in your life. Click here to watch this complete video series for free. Blessings, Dr. Mark Virkler President of Christian Leadership University and founder of Communion With God Ministries

Linn Park Gardens are looking beautiful right now.

I worked on the Linn Park Gardens over the weekend.  The lilies are still blooming and the roses have re-bloomed so they are beautiful right now.  Here are photos of the same garden from opposite ends. 

A New Interstate Banner

We were so pleased ot be able to advertise Heritage Days on the semi-trailer parked near Interstate 70 (see blog post here) that we decided to promote our small town with a larger banner when we took  the first one down.

This job was a little more difficult since the new banner is 38'x8' instead of 18'x8',   It took almost  two hours and 5 people to get it up!  And of course, we chose one of the hottest days!  98 degrees! But we are glad to have it done!  We will see how long it lasts--hopefully several months at least!





I was disappointed with the printing of the banner so we probably won't use that company again--Best Of Signs.  I thought the quality and construction was fine on both banners.  Here is what it was supposed to look like:  

The same thing happened with the first banner.  There was only a small area of color across the top instead of it blending into the bottom color gradually.  Since we used the same company, I have contacted them to let them know of my disappointment. I thought the first might have been my mistake but I was very careful to make sure the colors blended on the second one.   We'll see if their customer service is helpful.

Here is what the first banner was supposed to look like:  

And how it actually looked:

Brian Simmons: I HEAR HIS WHISPER... "My radiant friend"

I love Brian Simmons' (of the Passion Translation) semi-weekly emails.

View this email in your browser

As believers we are now "in Christ." Choosing us to be His very own, Christ wants you to know every aspect of your identity in Him.      Brian Simmons and Your TPT Team I HEAR HIS WHISPER... "My radiant friend" Come and learn of Me. Learn My ways as you hear My voice. Step into your place next to Me. Step into My heart. You are seated next to Me in the realm of My glory. Surrounding you are the angels, My messengers of power. Filling the atmosphere where we sit are the songs that cause all to cry, 'Holy.' I call you to take your place and now live in Me. See yourself as I see you. See yourself as My radiant friend, the one I have chosen. Speak the words of adoration as you take your place at My side. Speak over your life and your longings the words that affirm your place in Me. I gave to My servant Joshua every place that he set his foot upon. I give to you every heavenly truth you trust in and rest upon. To Joshua it was from the Great River to the Great Sea. For you I give a River of Life and bring you to My sea of glass. Earthly blessings came to My servants of old, but now every heavenly blessing I give to you, as your Father. Am I not the Father of Lights? I have made you My light to the world. Light and truth will draw you nearer to Me. The heavenly realm is yours. I have placed you already in the secret Stairway of the sky and call you My dove. You are not a caged bird, but the Dove of My heart. Fly to Me and live in Me. The Kingdom of Heaven is My gift to you. Bring your heart into My kingdom until you are transformed from the inside out. The kingdoms of the earth will fade and fall, but My Kingdom will increase and take you from glory into glory. Seated with Me all is at rest. Faith becomes the flow of life when you see yourself at My side. Miracles are nothing more than My Kingdom piercing the veil and coming into the earthly realm. Faith is the currency of heaven that brings miracles into your life. Take your place of rest and believe, for My day of power is upon you. So come and learn of Me and I will teach you My ways and unveil My heart to you. Sit under mercy's fountain and live in Me, for I am your God. Ephesians 1:3-6 The Passion Translation Every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realm has already been lavished upon us as a love gift from our wonderful heavenly Father, the Father of our Lord Jesus—all because he sees us wrapped into Christ. This is why we celebrate him with all our hearts! And he chose us to be his very own, joining us to himself even before he laid the foundation of the universe! Because of his great love, he ordained us as one with Christ from the beginning, so that we would be seen as holy in his eyes with an unstained innocence. For it was always in His perfect plan to adopt us as His delightful children, through our union with Jesus, the Anointed One, so that his tremendous love that cascades over us would glorify his grace—for the same love he has for his Beloved One, Jesus, he has for us. And this unfolding plan brings him great pleasure!

How the weather changes!

One of my favorite places we visited on our Germany, Switzerland, Austria trip was Hallstatt, Austria.  When we arrived at the Lake the Tour group went on a boat ride around the lake ending up at the hotel we would be staying in overnight. 

 Our hotel room was perfect!  It overlooked the lake, with a small balcony decorated with beautiful flowers.   I could have sat there all day!
Unfortunately, we could only stay one night.  Here is a view from the balcony when we arrived.

 This is how it looked the next morning when we awoke.  I guess it was God's way of helping us move on to other adventures.

Hubert von Goisern und Die Alpinkatzen - Heast as net

We just returned from a Rick Steves' Best of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland Tour.  Our wonderful guide, Andrea Wolf, played this song as we were traveling through the Alps. It gave me goose bumps!   I LOVE it!

 I was not familiar with Hubert von Goisern but have listened to more of his songs on YouTube.  In some he combines rock music with the accordion and yodeling--interesting and creative!

Weep With Me - REND COLLECTIVE *new song*

A friend just sent me this beautiful new song by Rend Collective, so I thought I would share it with you.

Gatherings At Linn Park

      If you live nearby, you may be interested in knowing what has been scheduled at Linn Park and the Amphitheater this summer so I am posting this ad that will be appearing in the local newspapers.

A Great Heritage Days Weekend!

We had a wonderful Heritage Days weekend!

The Lloyd Wood Show was excellent, the food from local vendors was great and the weather was perfect.  Many people came to enjoy the evening and several asked if we would have him back next year.  At our follow up meeting last night we voted to do that very thing.  So mark you calendar's for next year's celebration.

The Horse Show was amazing!  I am always in awe of the beauty of the magnificent 6 horse draft hitches.  Such power!  I seem to prefer the gorgeous black percherons, but all the breeds are beautiful!

It was at my first draft horse show that I discovered you can actually ride these huge horses!

The mule team brought by Dr. Hunt from Michigan was amazingly maneuverable.  Here the driver is demonstrating a very sharp turn.



The horse/mule farming demonstrations took us back to the days of our ancestors. 


The goat milking was popular with the kids (and parents).


As was the donkey ride.


David Davis, a horse trainer/musician/cowboy preacher performed Roman riding and showed us some of the tricks he has taught his horses.  (For any of you nearby, he is going to give a performance/concert at Linn Park here in Martinsville on August 12.



The minis brought in the flag.


As you can see, if you love animals, there was something for everyone.

Brian Simmons: I HEAR HIS WHISPER... "You will be My hand of Love."

        I needed this reminder today from Brian Simmons.  I was about to let the 'cares of the world' take away my joy.  Sometimes I forget that my purpose and calling is to be about the Father's business.  Sometimes I need a reminder.

I HEAR HIS WHISPER... "You will be My hand of Love." I bring before you opportunities to serve Me. Many times in the coming days I will open a door for you to serve and bless your family and even strangers. You will be My hand of love and My vessel of honor. Don't ignore the opportunities I bring to you. Take the moment to be a carrier of joy for you are a container of the Christ, a dispenser of the divine. I call you to lose yourself in love for others. See My glory in every sunrise and My majesty in every sunset. Take this new year and be baptized afresh in my joy! Spread the joy to the world and take the mercy I give you and give it freely to those who offend you. This will be the year of greater transformation until you become My hand of love stretched out to heal the brokenness of others. How many can you help this year? How many can you lighten their load and encourage? You have received My love and drank deeply from the cup of mercy that I gave to you—now give this cup to the thirsty. Become the one known for love, joy, and peace—a true expression of who I am. For you will be My hand of love. Philippians 2:13-16 The Passion Translation God will continually revitalize you, implanting within you the passion to accomplish the good things you desire to do. Live a cheerful life, without complaining or division among yourselves. For then you will be seen as innocent, faultless, and pure children of God, even though you live in the midst of a brutal and perverse culture. For you will appear among them as shining lights in the universe, offering them the words of eternal life.

"Revival: Get Ready for the Adventure of a Lifetime!" Joni Ames

     In this article Joni quotes Dr. Seuss when he says, "Why fit in when you were born to stand out?"  What a good word for us -- and particularly young people today! We spend way too much time trying to be like others and to fit into their ways of thinking!  Political correctness is about to swallow this generation. Let's make a commitment to 'Bible correctness' so we can help those who don't know God understand what a good, good God He is!

    Joni Ames expounds much wisdom in this word posted on Elijah List today.

"Revival: Get Ready for the Adventure of a Lifetime!"

Joni Ames, Rock Hill, SC

Recently the Ringling Bros. Circus announced that it will soon shut down. I got excited in my spirit because the Lord had showed me years ago that those tents would be used for revivals in the coming days. Many souls would come in and the revival would contain a restoration of healing like what happened with Oral Roberts and other great healing ministries of days gone by, but yet a new thing – a massive and great new revival. Signs, wonders, and miracles for a new generation that hasn't yet seen such things. I called several revivalist friends and told them to call and see how those tents may be obtained. We are about take part in the greatest adventure of our lifetime!

"May God revive (bring back to life) all the creativity that He put in you as He revives and brings back to life your heart, mind, and spirit. What an adventure you have ahead of you as that happens!"

The word revive means "to restore life, consciousness, or strength." It can also mean to "return something to its former state." The Church often cries out for revival, but what is really wanted? I believe what's wanted is for the Church to be revived and restored to holiness and to God as Father; to be revived and restored to the purpose, call and destiny that He called the Church to walk in – before time even began.

Restored to Our First Love

When you think back to the time when you were first saved, it often brings memories of excitement, vigor, joy, and great hope. Sometimes throughout the years, the "shine" of that time can begin to get dull. Years of hope deferred can make the heart sick. The value of attending church, being involved, and enjoying yourself in doing that can even become like drudgery.

What would restore to you that feeling of first love that you had back when you were originally saved? Can we have it (or even greater joy) now that we are walking in greater fullness as a Christian? Very often, just as in a natural relationship, expectations unfulfilled can cause you to lose heart.

Yet, there is a reality of what God has done in your life that goes beyond feelings. Being revived in one's inner man goes far beyond hype and laughter. As you mature, a stable "knowing" of God's goodness in your spirit takes over. There is a seriousness that comes into play as a more mature Christian that has a level-headed understanding of His love, grace, and mercy. It's understanding that life is about growing up and learning to "hold on" even when you don't feel like it. It's not about just enjoying the hype of having something new and "exciting" going on. It's about an eternal adventure yet ahead.

Reviving the "Basics"

Perhaps the greatest revival the world needs right now is a dose of true common sense, a good work ethic, the ability to "be only strong and very courageous" and press on even if they don't "feel like it." Maybe even a dose of good manners. The Word of God commands to be only strong and very courageous (see Deuteronomy 31:6 and Joshua 1:9). It says that overcomers will inherit the Kingdom (see Revelation 21:7). (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)

I've also witnessed what I call "a sloppy grace teaching" out there that tries to say that God understands people are human and what Jesus did on the Cross covers all sin for all time. So even if we sin again, it's covered, so go do it. In other words, what Jesus did bought us the grace to sin. However, the Word of God clearly denies that. It tells us that when we willfully continue to sin, we trample the Blood of Jesus (see Romans 7). Additionally with that type of attitude, a person can heal, prophesy, and cast out demons in Jesus' name, but still end up having Jesus Himself say, "...I never knew you. Away from Me you evildoers!" (Matthew 7:23)

All of that said, the revival we need might need to begin with a revival of mindsets, a revival of proper teaching of God's Word, and a revival of healthy mentality.

Spreading the Gospel Over All the Earth

Lately, there is so much time spent on cell phones and iPads. The good news is that the Bible is still the best-selling book on the planet! Did you know that? It is said the Bible is one of the popular phone apps college students are downloading as well. Praise God! Now let's teach them how to access what they need to know in it. As well as how to spread that Good News to others.

The computer age has made it such that the Great Commission allows each and every person the opportunity to spread the Gospel to all ends of the earth. Anyone who wants to can get online and begin to do a blog, newsletter, or website to spread the Word of God and start revival.

God said His Gospel will be spread to the entire earth before Jesus returns, and the internet is truly one of the "nets" that He is using to catch fish, bring revival and reel in the harvest.

You don't have to have a PhD, ordination, or anything else. Just know Jesus, and there you go! If God could use a little rundown storefront on Azusa Street, know that He can and will use you and your testimony and the internet to catch many fish.

Use Your Creative and Artistic Gifts

He will even use your artistic gifts. As you get out there and show others what God gives you, it will spur on other skilled artisans to come forth in the beauty of the skill He has placed within them as well. Post your songs, dances, paintings, drawings, photos of pottery, designs of clothing, hair styles, or whatever skilled artistry God has given to you. Use it, along with your testimony, to reach those of like-mind and skill. You are the one who can reach, with authority, the ones in the category that you also occupy.

"I believe what's wanted is for the Church to be revived and restored to holiness and to God as Father; to be revived and restored to the purpose, call and destiny that He called the Church to walk in – before time even began."

Don't get me wrong, we can all reach everyone, but there is nothing like hearing from or seeing someone who has either been through a "similar situation as you" or has a similar mindset or skill as you. Use it for the Lord! This is how we empower one another to overcome! The Bible says we overcome satan by the Blood of the Lamb and word of our testimonies (see Revelation 12:11).

So you see, even if you have felt different or strange, you were born to be "different" so that you could reach others who are also "different." It's part of your gifting. You were not born to hide. Like Dr. Seuss says, "Why fit in when you were born to stand out?" As you "stand out" you will do outstanding things in the Kingdom and bring in many.

May God revive (bring back to life) all the creativity that He put in you as He revives and brings back to life your heart, mind, and spirit. What an adventure you have ahead of you as that happens!

Make the Church Great Again

Much has been said about Donald Trump's campaign slogan, "Make America great again." Well, the way to make America great again is to make the Churchin America great again. Revive it. Restore it. Breathe life into it. Bring it back to being a living, breathing, full functioning organ again. 

One way to make the Church in America great again is to bring the Holy Bible back into it instead of political correctness. Unashamedly preach and teach it and let people know what sin is and how to defend one's self against it, as well as how to get out of its snare if entrapped in it. Holiness isn't a religious-spirited thing. Holy is the first name of Holy Spirit. (Photo via Flickr)

If we want revival and restoration, we must have an understanding of what is profane and what is holy. There must be a restoration of the plumb-line of holiness so that we know what our proper boundary lines are. No blurry lines. Clear Blood of Jesus lines.

Jesus died to save and protect us from sin. He didn't die and get raised again to raise sin up as an example of who and what we should be or follow. May God truly revive and bring back to life a holy and spotless Church for a holy and spotless Bride to be joined to Her King.

Get ready! We are about to witness and be a part of the greatest adventure of our lifetime! (To Subscribe to the Elijah List go here.)

Love and blessings,

Joni Ames
The Ministry of Joni Faith Ames 
Email: joniames@aol.com
Website: www.joniames.org

A great word from Lana Vawser

"June is Divine Bloom! The Month You Will Feel Like Pinching Yourself!"

Lana Vawser, Brisbane, Australia

Angels of Blessing and the Month of June

People of God: Hold on, hold on, hold on – for the Lord has dispatched angels of blessing to go before you and to bring recompense, restoration and increase back to you! Where the enemy has come and thought he plundered you, now the Lord has released these angelic hosts and they are going back to the enemy's camp and they are taking the spoils and bringing back all that was stolen.

"It is not surreal, it is supernaturally real!"

The enemy is being paid back for touching you. The enemy is being paid back for tormenting you. The enemy is being paid back for stealing, killing and destroying in your life. The enemy is being paid back for lying to you. The enemy is being paid back for attempting to kill you.

The Lord is rising in your defense! This past while has been so dark for so many, but I heard the Lord say that, "The level of darkness you have experienced is because of the major breakthrough that is being released in your life." It's not something that the Lord is saying "is coming," it's something that is "upon you."

There are going to be major demonstrations of increase, of the blessing of God, of recompense, redemption and restoration for you. The night has turned into day.

I saw these angelic hosts going up and down timelines and they were taking back everything that was stolen to bring back to the people of God. I saw these angelic hosts even going back into generational lines and closing doors as the people of God interceded and stood in declaration upon the Word of God.

I saw the Lord pronouncing blessing over generational lines and a line in the sand being drawn that decreed, "From this point on there will be blessing upon blessing."

Recently, the Lord spoke to me that there is a great battle on right now attempting to distract God's people. Don't look at the distraction. Keep standing upon the rhema Word the Lord gave you, for significant breakthrough and turnaround is upon you. (Photo via The Elijah Shopper. Angel Among Usby Jennifer Page)

Where there has been a dark cloud of heaviness, the Lord is decreeing a cloud of joy!

This isn't just a new "season" for many of you, it's a "new era." What you are moving into now, the land of blessing, increase, abundance, opportunities and destiny, is nothing like you have ever experienced before.

June, "The Month You Will Feel Like Pinching Yourself"

The Lord spoke to me about June and I heard Him say, "June, the month you will feel like pinching yourself." The atmosphere around me was filled with joy and the feeling of "exceeded" expectations and joy!

"There are going to be major demonstrations of increase, of the blessing of God, of recompense, redemption and restoration for you. The night has turned into day."

There is going to be so much breakthrough in joy that you will have the sense of "pinching yourself" because it feels surreal...and I felt the Lord say:

"It is not surreal, it is supernaturally real!"

There is going to be extravagant joy in June as the blessing, increase, recompense, redemption, restoration, favor and abundance of provision of the Lord's hand increases on a level many have never experienced before.

I saw June like a beautiful rose that was opening up and I heard the words, "June, the month of divine bloom."

So much is going to bloom in you, through you and for you in June! The aroma of Jesus, the Rose of Sharon, is going to increase so much in your life and through your life in June. A beautiful, deep, rich, new refreshing place of encounter with Jesus and place of deep intimacy will bloom!

Worship is Going to Lift Off the Hooks of the Past and Take You Higher Than You've Ever Been

I saw in June specifically, as God's people really press in deeply into worship (increasing our time and pressing deep in worship), hooks that have been used previously to "trigger" God's people into fear and torment (things used to hold them back, keep them on the ground, stopping them from flying), are suddenly lifting off and the Lord will take His people higher than they have ever been. He will take them higher in their perspective, their freedom, their joy, their peace, their revelation of the Word and significant increase in favor. (Photo via Pixabay)

Where these hooks have sucked the life out of many of God's people, causing a deep weariness and hopelessness of constantly being "pulled back" and a feeling of wanting to give up, these hooks will be removed once and for all! The Lord will give you greater hope, clarity, vision, joy, insight and wisdom for the future than you have ever had – to go further with Him than you ever dreamed.

Worship is a very strategic key to breakthrough always, but especially in June. Worship Jesus! Worship Jesus! 

June: The month where you will feel like you are pinching yourself because of the amazing breakthrough, healing, joy, increase and abundance that He is releasing.

But remember what He said: "It's not surreal...it's supernaturally real!" (To Subscribe to the Elijah List go here.)

Lana Vawser
Lana Vawser Ministries 
Email: lanavawser@gmail.com
Website: www.lanavawser.com

Heritage Days

If you live nearby, you won't want to miss this year's festival!